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With 35 students, the Covington County Youth Leadership 2024-2025 class traveled to Florala for their first session that highlighted orientation and team building on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

Covington County Commission Chairman Greg White and Florala Mayor Gayle Robbins welcomed the students. Mayor Robbins shared the rich history of Florala and Lake Jackson with the group. CCYL Program Coordinator Terri Dunn provided an overview of the CCYL calendar of events and program expectations.

William Worley and Jerry Tyson led the group through several team-building activities. William offered valuable insights from leadership expert Craig Groeschel who outlined “The 8 Habits of Great Leaders.” Those eight habits are no snooze, pre-deciding, doing the hard-right, you-first leadership, touching the line, one more rep, fueling the fire, and showing back up.

Katie Lee from the Covington County Extension Office spoke about 4-H and opportunities for the students to grow their resumes and compete for college scholarships. Lunch was catered by The Depot in Florala and sponsored by Southern Independent Bank (SIB). SIB CEO and President Micah Garner Florala SIB Branch Manager Rhonda Geohagan joined the group for lunch.

Andalusia High School participants for 2024-2025 are Jessa Ann DuBose, Annaleigh Fischer, MaKaylin Howard, Mallory McGlamory, Andy Shelander, Levi Wilburn, and Anna Williams.

Florala High School participants for 2024-2025 are Annabelle Bookout, Jayla Morrow, and Ellie Odom.

Opp High School participants for 2024-2025 are Bethany Burgess, Le’Tasia Coleman, Woodham Reid Ellis, Mckenzie Phillips, Saban John Sasser, Derriyahn Sheridan, Caroline Short, and Baylor Turman.

Pleasant Home School participants for 2024-2025 are Piper Bulger, Rebecca Rose Guilford, Brylie Griffin, Kayla Hughes, Makenna Macks, Alex Scott, Chris Scott, and Kylie Thomasson.

Red Level School participants for 2024-2025 are Connor Blackwell and Miracle Wright.

Straughn High School participants for 2024-2025 are Kylee Brown, Faithe Eib, Mallory Davis, Audrey Lindsey, Tess Smith, Isabella Williamson, and Madelyn Worley.

The first session concluded with class officer elections. Brylie Griffin was elected as the chairperson, and Jessa DuBose was elected vice-chair. Other officers are Bella Bookout as the prayer coordinator, Kylee Brown as the travel coordinator, Piper Bulger as the historian, Rebecca Guilford as the public relations chair, Mallory McGlamory as the project chair, and Caroline Short as the social media chair.